Transgendered Folkies

Subject: Transgendered Folkies
From: Owlkat
Date: 21 Jul 04 - 04:33 PM

Well, this subject might raise a few eyebrows. Since I've first discovered Mudcat, and come and gone, and now returned, albeit from a different worldview, I'm contemplating my continued role as an acoustic musician, singer, and writer, as a trans. Has anybody out there seen, known, or had/have any awareness of individuals who have crossed gender, and who continue to perform, and produce? Victoria is a fairly cool place for me to coexist with others, but now, I'm facing a new challenge as a trans acoustic player and singer. It would be good for me to know that somewhere out there is someone else who has broken similar ground.
Also, thanks to Liz the Squeak for putting the words to "Country Life" on the site.
Cheers,
Mart.

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: Rapparee
Date: 21 Jul 04 - 04:38 PM

What difference should it make? You're either a decent performer or you're not.

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: Ed.
Date: 21 Jul 04 - 04:43 PM

What Rapaire said. Exactly.

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 21 Jul 04 - 05:02 PM

I suppose you have to alter the words a bit ... if you switched from woman to man be careful when you play biker bars not to gaze longingly into their eyes anymore. Or maybe not. Hmmm. Interesting.

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 21 Jul 04 - 05:04 PM

Which Victoria are you in?

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: GUEST,observer
Date: 21 Jul 04 - 05:05 PM

My concern with this sort of thread is that rather than it being a supportive thing. It becomes a vehicle for "outing" transgender Folkies(who may, or may not want that) or starting rumours about people. Or at worst, a cynic may suggest, that someone might start a thread like this to find out identities of people for malicious reasons. So I believe as an outsider(ie not a member) it could give a bad impression of the forum.
That said, the calibre of your performance is far more important to me than your gender or what gender you may have been previously.

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: Ebbie
Date: 21 Jul 04 - 05:24 PM

Good luck, Owlkat. (Come down to Juneau- if you're a good performer, we'll support you.)

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: GUEST,2nd observer-
Date: 21 Jul 04 - 05:35 PM

I post anonymously because there are people who read Mudcat who might know the same people I do.

I have known two people who lived as transgendered-one who completed the process surgically, and one who has not yet. (Both from male to female)

I have no personal opinion about the decision, and like both of these people, neither of whom is playing professionally.

My only real concern is that neither of the individuals, how to say it delicately, looks the new gender they have chosen. Both have had awkward transitions trying to dress, walk, talk and act believably. It should NOT affect public acceptance, and it really did not affect the quality of their music, but I know that it has bothered some people who know them.

If I were to offer any advice, it would be to reflect in depth whether you intend to be open about the situation, or to try to hide the old identity. Ask those who know your story to be honest with you about how they view the change, and don't assume that you are simply 'passing'.

I hope that your new life works out well, and that public participation in music does not suffer, but people being what they are, this is not always easy.

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: michaelr
Date: 21 Jul 04 - 07:26 PM

Owlkat, I just saw the movie "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" which features a trannie performer (not folk but rock). Very moving, very touching. It gave me an appreciation of the anguish that being born into the wrong body brings, and while I don't know of any folk musicians in that situation, I wish you the best of luck on your journey.

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 21 Jul 04 - 07:39 PM

I have the same worries about this thread as GUEST,observer.
Beyond that, all the best Owlkat. Beware of letting your achievement (that's how I see it) impinge too much on your material. Be the same kind of folkie performer and writer you were before; address the same issues; because if you start waving the transgender flag this might alienate audiences; not because they would not be supportive of you, but because most would not be able to identify with it.

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Jul 04 - 07:54 PM

Thanks for coming back to us, Owlkat. It's always good to see one of us return.

I echo what some of the others have said...it shouldn't make any difference in your performance, unless you are using "outing" to get more gigs, then it should be to trans-friendly audiences anyway, right? Also, asking friends for impressions, etc. may be helpful.

In the meantime you might find this useful: Queer is Folk Festival in Chicago. The "Queer Is Folk Festival, held during Gay Pride Month, is a celebration of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered experience through folk music. Conceived by Scott Free for the Old Town School of Folk Music, the goal of this event is to help foster the idea of inclusiveness that has always been an important part of the folk tradition.

Here's another related site: "I'm transgendered"

And, here's a good resource with a mutiple page article on GLBTQ influence throughout all kinds of music: GLBTQ encyclopedia.

Hope this helps! And, welcome back!

kat

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: Joe Offer
Date: 21 Jul 04 - 09:53 PM

I know a guitarist who's transgender. Most people know she's transgender, but what people talk about is her remarkable ability on anything that has strings. If you're good, you'll be accepted.

You may get some nasty comments on an online forum like this, where insecure idiots can hide behind their anonymity; but most folkies will accept you very well. But yes, you will encounter some prejudice - and there will probably be times when you yourself read prejudice into situations where there is none.

-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: mack/misophist
Date: 21 Jul 04 - 10:50 PM

I know a couple of transgenders, not musicians. They're just people. I suspect you are too; just another person, I mean.

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: Peace
Date: 21 Jul 04 - 11:22 PM

There is much food for though from the folk who have posted above. I also want to wish you success and happiness. The potential for issues--there is that. However, be the ultimate performer you can be and know in your heart that you will face some tears. I wish the best for you, Owlkat.

Bruce Murdoch

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 04:58 AM

I have met two trangendered musicians - both M>F. One a folksinger who is still an excellent guitarist and whose voice seems to have made the transition well - Leadfingers knows her. Another sings alto with a well-known London choir. I am quite impressed with the way that the voice re-assignment has worked - I assume that some sort of vocal chord "shaving" was used. Both of them sang as males of course, but definitely in the latter case, the new voice is exceptionally good.

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: Ellenpoly
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 05:16 AM

Good luck to you! I agree with Rapaire primarily, though it's true that depending on how you are feeling in your new "skin" will have a lot to do with how you are accepted.

I have lived with a "tranny" and know it hasn't been an easy transition for him/her. It took her a long while before she felt she could perform with the same ease as her former male self.

If I had any advice, it would be to surround yourself with supportive people, both friends and audiences. You will know when the time is right to branch out to perhaps more risky venues.

Again, best of luck!..xx..e

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: jacqui.c
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 05:17 AM

Good luck Owlkat - as long as you do your best at whatever you do your sexuality and gender are your concern and no one else's. It's the person that counts, not the label and those who are unable to accept that probably have their own issues that they haven't been able to face up to.

I have known a couple of M>F transgenders and would suggest that you take some advice from female friends on appearance. The rest of us do - we're more likely to get an honest reply from girlfriends when we ask 'does my bum look too big in this?' or whether a particular colour or style actually suits us.

Have fun.

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 06:15 AM

Over the years I have known or been aware of a handful of people who have changed gender, or have been going through the process. My view is that those ones who have been talented or worthwhile people to know were still worthwhile and talented following the change. Those who were pompous prats in their previous existence continue to be pompous prats afterwards.
If you were an entertaining performer before you "went and returned" I see no reason why you will not still be one. State who you are now, but don't try to hide who you used to be. Remember that some people will be embarassed or uncomfortable with the situation - don't push them.
I was going to make some other (hpefully helpful) comments, but I can't think of words which don't sound trite or patronising, so I'll leave it there.
Quack!
Geoff the Duck.

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: John Robinson (aka Cittern)
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 06:26 AM

I can add much the same comments to those above. I know one transgender folkie - who plays at sessions but not as a performer as such - and I know of one transgender performer. As far as I can see they face no more bigotry from within the folk world than they do outside it. In fact they probably face far less.

Folk are folk!

All the best
John Robinson
http://www.JulieEllison.co.uk

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: JennyO
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 07:27 AM

Owlkat, I think it is very fortunate that you are in the Folk community, as I have found that generally, folkies are more accepting and open-minded than the general population. That's been my experience anyway. The response you have had so far here would seem to show that too.

You might come across the occasional problem - there are bigots and idiots anywhere - but I think they will be the exception rather than the rule. Ellenpoly's advice to surround yourself with supportive people is good, too. Good luck to you.

Jenny

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: Folkiedave
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 08:07 AM

It won't matter one iota to most folkies. I reckon they are the most tolerant people going.

Best regards,

Dave

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 09:36 AM

OK - I admit it. I am a anorexic lesbian. I like women and every time I look in a mirror I see a fat person...

Well, someone has to make a puerile post. Why not me:-)

Seriously. I know a transexual performer (Magician as it happens) and she says it was the best thing she did. Work is now pouring in and she reckons it is not just for the novelty value either!

Good luck Owlkat and believe me when I say that should the situation ever arise you would have no plroblem at all at our folk club!

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: el ted
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 10:17 AM

I'm a man, trapped in a man's body.... oh, I'll get my coat!

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: Peace
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 10:46 AM

I'd like to be a man trapped in a woman's body, but no such luck. Hell, I couldn't even get the goat. See what you started, el ted?

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: el ted
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 12:20 PM

You're not taking this thread very seriously are you brucie! There will be some poor soul out there who REALLY thinks he is a goat trapped in a man's body! Never mind, I'm sure the National Health Service will sort it out for them! It must be hell being a banjo player trapped in an accordianists body, no amount of surgery could cure that predicament.

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 03:14 PM

I am bi-gendered...both male and female anatomy. When I cut someone off in traffic, the suggestion to go f**k myself takes on a whole new perspective ...

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: Once Famous
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 04:05 PM

Well, I would think "she" could hit the high notes better now.

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: michaelr
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 06:40 PM

Just remembered: Paul Brady's bass player, Jennifer Maidman (!) is a tranny. She talks about it a bit on the recently released DVD "The Paul Brady Songbook".

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: Joybell
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 07:02 PM

Good luck Owlkat. Joy

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: Owlkat
Date: 27 Jul 04 - 02:18 PM

Thanks to everybody who replied to this rather unusual thread. I appreciate all of your comments, support, and very silly jokes. Even thirty-odd years (pun intended) of performance, entertaining, and travel have still not prepared me for all of life's surprises, and it's good to know that my variations don't discount me as the person I've been and still am. On a similar note, I've discovered the song "The Female Highwayman" in the digitrad database. It's now officially part of my repertoire.
Cheers.
Mart.

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: GUEST,Blackcatter
Date: 27 Jul 04 - 04:12 PM

I'd agree with nearly everything above.

If you begin by focusing on GLBT audiences, you might have an easier time (whether your repitoire is GLBT focused or not), and once you get a reputation for being a good performer, you're likely to have the audience behind you before you even go on stage.

A positive article in the local paper wouldn't hurt either.

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 28 Jul 04 - 01:29 PM

Good luck for the future Owlkat and all your dreams come true.

Subject: RE: Transgendered Folkies
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 28 Jul 04 - 04:49 PM

Your courage is breathtaking Owlkat. You deserve everything you wish for - may it all be yours.
Johnny :0)